Intro to the Renaissance 1300-1600

Objectives Describe the characteristics of the Renaissance and understand why it began in Italy. Identify Renaissance artists and explain how new ideas affected the arts of the period. Understand how writers of the time addressed Renaissance themes.

What was the Renaissance? Renaissance means “rebirth.” Pull Europe out of the dark ages. Introduction of remarkable artists and thinkers. Marked the transition from medieval times to early modern world.

Renaissance Thinkers Sought to bring Europe out of disorder and disunity Black Plauge, Crusades, Dark Ages Greater emphasis on individual achievement Understand the world with accuracy (Is the world flat, universe, new land) beyond religion Revive Greek and Roman learning (Humanism)

Renaissance spirit, adventure, curiousity Trade became more important then ever before Navigators sailing across the oceans Columbus sailing the ocean blue Looking at the universe in new ways Nicholas Copernicus, Galileo Writers and artist, new techniques

Italy trade importance Provided a link between Asia and Europe Coastal country on the Mediterranean Routes carried ideas from Asia and Muslim scholars preserved Greek and Latin learning Banking and merchant network provided wealth for the Renaissance

Importance of Italy’s city-states Cities(Florence, Genoa, Milan, Venice) were dominated by wealthy and powerful merchant family. Families brought trade, welath, and leadership Interested in art and personal achievement Patrons (provide financial support for arts) and supported artists, writers, and scholars

Artists of the REnaissance

Renaissance = Humanism Humanism – Movement that attached importance to human rather divine and supernatural matters. Renaissance humanists focused on worldly issues Education was the key to stimulation Studied Greece and Rome to learn about own culture

Artists of the Renaissance Portrayed religious themes but against Greek and Roman backgrounds Donatello

Artists of the renaissance Raphael School of Athens

Artists of the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa

Artists of the Renaissance Michelangelo

Machiavelli Author of The Prince Machiavelli wrote a guide for rulers on how to gain and maintain their power. Some people saw Machiavelli as a cynic but others saw him as a realist. “The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” - Machiavelli

Questions Using the notes taken, answer the following questions in 3-5 sentences each. 1. What was the renaissance? 2. Describe the importance “thinkers” had during the renaissance during this time. 3. Explain the importance of Italian cities on trade routes and importance of families for artists.